The conference “The Power of Small – EU Projects and Business Growth of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)” was held at the Hilton Hotel. This was the final event of the project “Advanced Business Development Services to Strengthen MSME Capacities,” financed by EU IPA funds. The event was organised by the Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro in cooperation with the technical support team from WeGlobal and with the support of the European Union.

The conference emphasised the importance of establishing a national MSME Agency as a crucial institutional platform for promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing competitiveness, and facilitating access to EU funds. The event brought together representatives of government institutions, international organisations, business centres, local authorities and the private sector.

The Minister of Economic Development, Nik Đeljošaj, opened the conference. He stated that the future of Montenegro’s economy lies in knowledge, innovation, digitalisation and regional development. He added that a sustainable support system for MSMEs is crucial for the EU accession. “We must create an environment where growth is encouraged, where ideas are transformed into new jobs and products,” the Minister emphasised.

He added that the successful functioning of the MSME sector is not only important for the economy. It is a sign of alignment with EU standards and policies, particularly under negotiating Chapters 20 and 22.

“For small and medium-sized enterprises, efficient infrastructure is a key pillar that enables access to resources, knowledge, and markets. One of those institutional mechanisms should be the MSME agencies, which exist in all countries of the region and actively serve as key institutions in connecting entrepreneurs with funding sources – in preparation for EU development funds focused on innovation and digitalisation, as well as support for education,” Đeljošaj stressed.

Johann Sattler, the Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, stated that by the end of the year, five more negotiating chapters should be closed, thus confirming Montenegro’s role as a leader in the EU accession process.

“To meet the required legislative goals and fulfil the obligations under Chapter 22, the future agency must be founded on a solid legal basis,” Sattler stated.

The EU, as a consistent partner on this path, has already secured financial resources through instruments such as the EU Integration Facility to extend the project and move into its final implementation phase. According to the Ambassador, only half of the work has been completed so far. 

“The essence lies in achieving a tangible outcome – the full operational readiness of the agency,” emphasised Sattler.

Copyright: EUD

He also underlined the importance of the financial instrument New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which is results-oriented and tied to fulfilling key indicators on the path to EU membership while also supporting the MSME sector.

Iskra Danailova, Team Leader at WeGlobal, highlighted that through cooperation with the EU, Montenegro continues its path of sustainable growth by creating new opportunities for businesses and citizens. Despite significant progress in the business environment and EU integration, the potential of MSMEs as drivers of employment remains vastly underutilised. This project focuses on strengthening the infrastructure and services available to Montenegrin entrepreneurs, as well as easing access to EU funds. 

“It is essential to establish an Agency for the Support of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises based on best practices from the region,” Danailova emphasised.

She added that Montenegro must also develop the necessary administrative capacities to manage structural and investment funds.

Igor Brkanović from WeGlobal spoke about regional experiences and the need to connect all actors within the support system, placing particular emphasis on the importance of women’s entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, Stefan Jovanović from the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro stressed that the new Agency should work in complementarity with the Chamber, thereby simplifying procedures for accessing funds.

During the panel discussion, Tomislav Belovari, an expert from Croatia, reflected on his country’s journey from FAR and IPA programmes to EU membership, as well as the utilisation of more than €25 billion in funds by 2030, accompanied by growth in GDP and the number of entrepreneurs.